![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.png)
The purpose of this study was to adapt the Odor Awareness Scale (OAS Smeets et. al.) transculturally into Turkish, to apply it hospital workers(OASmTR), and to to evaluate its relation to exposure.
Methods
Self-reported positive and negative OAS (32 Question) was used. Cronbach alfa of all the questions in this group was 0.746. In order to question odor perception on the basis of frequency, first 20 questions were used as a scale. Cronbach alfa was 0.91. In factor analysis 4 sub-fields were determined: odor attention (10,11,12,13), odor recognition-differentiation (7,8,9,18), positive odor awareness (1,2,3,14) and negative odor awareness (15,16,19,20). In addition to OASmTR; age, sex, health conditions, habits, exposure to dust or chemicals in the working environment were also questioned. The scale was applied to medical staff in March, 2011. A total of 124 individuals were reached and 13 were excluded.
Results
47.7% of study group were female and 53.3% were male. Mean age was 36.5±9.1. While positive odor perception score was 16.1±3.1, odor recognition score was 14.6±3.8. Scores of odor attention and negative odor perception were 14.1±3.8 and 14.8±3.7 respectively. A significant inverse correlation between cigarette package-year and positive odor and a significant positive correlation between exposure to chemicals and odor memory was found. All sub-fields of odor scores were affected in the people who were exposed to dust
Logistic regression analysis revealed that, dusty environment increased the risk of impairing positive odor perception 4.2 times and odor attention 3.1 times. Odor attention was 2.7 times better in non-smokers.
Discussion
Odor Awareness Scale sub-fields are affected by cultural perception; however, it is practical to be used in the field. In this respect, it should be improved to be a rapid screening and follow-up instrument to detect the possible adverse effects of especially chronic exposure on smell sense